La Habra Heights City Council votes 3-2 for $1.9 million City Hall renovation

LA HABRA HEIGHTS - On a split vote, the City Council Thursday agreed to begin the process of an estimated $1.9 million renovation of the City Hall.

City Manager Shauna Clark said the work is needed because the existing building has many problems, including asbestos in the roof, water leaking in the walls and ceiling tiles, lead pipes, lead paint and dry rot in the structure.

Money for the work will come from the city's $5 million reserve fund.

"I'm willing to spend the reserve money in order to make this an acceptable environment for our employees," said Councilwoman Jane Williams. "They're dodging falling tiles, there's water on the floor and pretty soon we'll have the Health Department in here."

Williams was joined in her vote by Mayor Stan Carroll and Councilman Brian Bergman.

The plans call for an increase the space in City Hall from 5,246 square feet to 6,500 square feet.

Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed in March 2014.

No decision has been made where the city employees would work during construction. One possibility would be to rent space from the adjacent Heights Christian Preschool.

Councilmen Roy Francis and Carl Westerhoff opposed the decision, saying that while they agree the work is needed, a vote should wait until after the March 5 City Council election.

"I don't have a philosophical need to let the next council do it," said Westerhoff who with Carroll isn't seeking re-election.

"(But) I don't want to spend a lot of money authorizing work when another council will have to appropriate the money for construction," Westerhoff said. "If that council doesn't do it, everything we've spent will be a loss."

The council Thursday authorized Clark to negotiate an agreement with Ewing Architects of Pasadena to prepare construction drawings as well as construction management. Cost is expected to be $195,000.

Bergman, who is the only incumbent seeking re-election, said he believes the new council members coming on will support the project.

"I spent the night at the candidates night and if you listened, four are for the project and one is opposed," he said. "Based on that, waiting is meritless and it's time to make a decision."

The decision on renovation has become an election issue.

Challengers Chester Jeng and George Edward called on the council to hold a town hall meeting before making a decision.

"I think it's too big of an amount to spend without further community comment and involvement," Jeng said.

During Tuesday's candidate forum, challengers Michael Higgins and Kyle Miller said they supported the renovation.

Other residents on Thursday called on the council to move forward.

"I would urge you not to listen to the naysayers," said former Planning Commissioner Ray Fernandez. "There are people who want nothing built. Don't kick this down the road. Show us a little courage."

Before Thursday's vote, Carroll asked the council to reduce Ewing Architect's fee in half. But he received no support from other council members..

Doug Ewing, the company's owner, said if the fee was reduced the services would be reduced.